Midland Radio GXT500 FRS/ GMRS Combination User Manual GXT500 Owner s Manual

Midland Radio Corporation FRS/ GMRS Combination GXT500 Owner s Manual

users manual

GXT500/550 Series GMRS/FRS RadioX-TRA TALK®OWNER'S MANUALwww.midlandradio.com
Model GXT500/550 SeriesPage 2 www.midlandradio.comTABLE OF CONTENTS 2Introduction 3Important Notice, FCC Licensing 4LCD Display 5Controls 5Battery Installation 6Installing the Belt Clip 6Charging the Optional Battery Pack 7Low Battery Level Indicator 7Operating Your Radio 8 - 13External Speaker/Microphone Jack 14Troubleshooting Guide 15Use and Care 15Specifications and Frequency Charts 16Warranty Information 17MIDLAND Family Products 18Accessories 18Accessories Order Form 19
Page 3 www.midlandradio.comWelcome to the world of Midland electronicsCongratulations on your purchase of a high quality MIDLAND product.Your 2-way radio represents the state-of-the-art in high-techengineering. Designed for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)operation, this compact package is big in performance. It is a qualitypiece of electronic equipment, skillfully constructed with the finestcomponents. The circuitry is all solid-state and mounted on a ruggedprinted circuit board. Your two-way radio is designed for reliable andtrouble-free performance for years to come.Features- 22 GMRS/FRS Channel - 38 Privacy Codes- eVOX- Selectable CALL Tone- Weather (WX) Band Receiver - VIBRATE ALERT- SCAN Function- MONITOR Function- Roger Beep Tone- Silent Operation- Key Pad Lock- Power High / Power Low Settings- Speaker / Microphone Jacks- Battery Low IndicatorThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject tothe following two conditions : (1) this device does not cause harmfulinterference, and (2) this radio must accept any interference that may causeundesired operation.To maintain compliance with FCC’s RF exposure guidelines, for body-wornoperation, this radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposureguidelines when used with Midland Radio Corp. accessories supplied ordesignated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensurecompliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines. (Tested with Headset Model:AVP-1)Model GXT500/550 Series
Page 4 www.midlandradio.comIMPORTANT NOTICE, FCC LICENSE REQUIRED FOR GMRS OPERATIONThe GXT500/550 Series operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)frequencies which require an FCC (Federal Communications Commission)license. You must be licensed prior to operating on channels 1 - 7 or 15 - 22,which comprise the GMRS channels of the GXT500/550 Series. Serious penal-ties could result for unlicensed use of GMRS channels, in violation of FCC rules,as stipulated in the Communications Act's Sections 501 and 502 (amended).You will be issued a call sign by the FCC which should be used for stationidentification when operating the radio on GMRS channels. You should alsocooperate by engaging in permissible transmissions only, avoiding channelinterference with other GMRS users, and being prudent with the length of theirtransmission time.To obtain a license or ask questions about the license application, contact theFCC at 1-886-CALL FCC or go to the FCC's website:www.fcc.gov/wtb/prs/genmbl.htmlExposure To Radio Frequency EnergyYour Midland radio is designed to comply with the following national and international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human being toradio frequency electromagnetic energy:- United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations: 47 CFR part 2 sub-part J- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) C95. 1-1999 Edition- National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) of the United States, Report 86, 1986- International Commission on Non-lonizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general populationor uncontrolled environment exposure limits, transmit no more than 50% of thetime. The radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only whentransmitting.Model GXT500/550 Series
Page 5 www.midlandradio.comCONTROLSLCD DISPLAY 1. LOW BATTERY ICON – Indicates thebattery level is low.2. TRANSMIT (TX) ICON – Indicatesradio is transmitting a signal. 3. eVOX – Indicates when eVOX mode isactive.4. CHANNEL NUMBER – Changes from1~22 on GMRS/FRS band (1~10 onWX band.5. RECEIVE (RX) ICON – Indicates radiois receiving a transmission.6. KEY LOCK ICON – Indicates KEYLOCK mode is on.7. WX BAND ICON – Indicates when theradio is in Weather Band mode 8. VIBRATE-ALERT ICON – Indicateswhen the Vibrate-Alert feature is on 9. PRIVACY CODE – Indicates PrivacyCode selected by user (oF~38) .10. TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL ICON –Indicates TX Power setting (H/M/L) 11. POWER/VOLUME KNOB – Turn clock-wise to turn the power on and increasethe volume level. Turn counter-clockwiseto decrease the volume level and turnthe power off.12. PTT Button – Press and hold to transmitvoice communication. 13. CALL/LOCK Button – Press to send aCALL tone signal. Press and hold to turnKEY LOCK on/off.14. MIC – Built-in microphone.15. SPEAKER – Built-in speaker.16. ANTENNA.17. EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MIC JACK.18. MENU Button – Press to access Menumode. Press and hold to go to WX BandReceiver mode.19. MONITOR/SCAN Button – Press toenter SCAN mode. Press and hold toenter MONITOR mode20. UP and DOWN Button – Makeadjustments in MENU mode.1234567891011121314152019181716Model GXT500/550 Series
Page 6 www.midlandradio.comBATTERY INSTALLATIONYour GXT500/550 Series radio operates with either 4 AA alkaline bat-teries or an optional NiMH battery pack. The belt clip should beremoved (see below) to ease installation or removal of the batteries. To install the batteries:1. With the back of the radio facing you, remove the belt clip (see diagram below) for easy access, then remove the Battery Cover by pressing down on the top center and sliding it down from the radio.2. Insert 4 AA batteries observing the polarity as shown. Installing the batteries incorrectly will prevent the unit from operating or may damage the unit.3. Return the Battery Cover by sliding it up on the radio. Replace thebelt clip, making sure it locks into place.BATTERYCOMPARTMENTBATTERYCOMPARTMENTCOVEROne Battery inserted in this slotPress here and push down to openModel GXT500/550 SeriesINSTALLING THE BELT CLIPTo install the BELT CLIP, slide the clip down into the slot on the backof the radio until the BELT CLIP LATCH clicks. To remove the BELTCLIP, press the LOCK TAB down , then gently pull the belt clip uptoward the top of the radio.BELT CLIPLOCK TABBELT CLIP LATCH
Page 7 www.midlandradio.comCHARGING THE OPTIONAL BATTERY PACKYour GXT500/550 Series is equipped for using an optional recharge-able NiMH battery pack (not included) which can be recharged usinga desktop charger (not included). Initial charge time is 24 hours with acharge time of 12 hours thereafter. For maximum battery life, we rec-ommend charging the battery pack when the low battery icon comeson. Remove the radios from the charger when the charge timeexpires.To charge using a Desktop Charger:1. Place the rechargeable battery packs in the radios.2. Connect the AC adapter into an AC wall outlet.3. Insert the AC adapter plug (or DC Cigarette Lighter adapter if charging in vehicle) into the desktop charger jack.4. Place the units into the desktop charger slot and note that the LEDindicator with RED color will light up, indicating charging function. In order to ensure that the battery pack is fully charged, it is recommended that the battery pack be charged for at least 12 hours.1. Only use our NiMH battery pack.2. Do not attempt to charge alkaline batteries or any batteries or battery packs other than the one indicated in the manual. This may cause leakage and damage to the radio.3. For long term storage of the radio, turn the radio OFF and remove the batteries from the radio.LOW BATTERY LEVEL INDICATORYour GXT500/550 Series has a LOW BATTERY ICONwhich will only appear on the LCD display if the battery voltage levelis low. At this point, the battery needs to be charged for at least 12hrs.Model G500/550 Series!
POWER ON/OFF AND VOLUME Rotate the POWER/VOLUME knob clockwise to turn the radio on andincrease the volume level. Rotate the control counter-clockwise toreduce the volume level and to turn the radio off. During Power On,the radio will beep 3 times with different tones, the LCD will display a“self-test” message for 1 second and the LCD display will indicate thelast channel selected.TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING A CALL To communicate, all radios in your group must be set to the samechannel and Privacy Code.1. For maximum clarity, hold the radio 2 to 3 inches from your mouth.2. Press and hold the PTT button and speak in a normal voice into the microphone. The TX icon will appear continuously on the LCD Display while transmitting.3. To receive a call, release the PTT button. The RX icon will appear on the display when your radio is receiving a transmission.ABOUT RANGEYour GXT Series radios are designed to give you maximum rangeunder optimum conditions.Optimum Conditions are: lOver waterlOpen rural areas without obstructionslFlat areas where you can see the other personTo ensure you get maximum range:lBe sure to use fresh or fully charged batteries - low batteries will cause low power conditionslBe sure you are on a GMRS channel - FRS channels are restricted by the FCC to low powerlBe sure to set your radio to use Hi power.Page 8 www.midlandradio.comOPERATING YOUR RADIOModel GXT500/550 Series
Page 9 www.midlandradio.comGXT500/550 SERIES QUICK REFERENCE CHARTMONITOR Pressing and holding the MONITOR button for 1 second will let youhear noise so you can adjust the volume level of the radio when notreceiving a signal. This should be used to check activity on yourcurrent channel before transmitting. Press and hold the MONITOR button for 1 second again to get outof MONITOR mode.SCAN Your GXT500/550 Series can scan all 22 channels for activity. Toenter, quickly press the SCAN button. Repeat the same procedure toexit. Your radio will rapidly scan each of the 22 channels and stop onany active channel for 5 seconds before resuming scan.When you press the PTT button to transmit on an active channel, thescanning function will stop and remain on the active channel. Toresume scanning, quickly press the SCAN button.Model GXT500/550 SeriesMENU Channel eVOX1~22 oF/1/2PrivacyoF~38Roger BeepOn/OffPowerH/M/LCall Tone1~5VibrateOn/OffWX Channel1~10Press &hold MenubuttonSilent OperationOn/Off
Page 10 www.midlandradio.comCALL TONE Your GXT500/550 Series can transmit a call tone for a fixed length oftime. To send a call tone, press the CALL button. The TX icon willappear while transmitting a call tone and a tone can be heard on thespeaker for confirmation. KEYPAD LOCK To avoid accidentally changing the radio setting, press the LOCKbutton for 4 seconds. The KEY LOCK icon will appear on the display.PTT and CALL will still be active. Repeat the same procedure tounlock the keypad. DISPLAY ILLUMINATION During Power on, the display illumination will activate for approx. 7seconds. The display illumination can also be activated when theMENU button is pressed.CHANNEL SELECTION (GMRS/FRS BAND)Press the MENU button once, and then the buttons to select oneof the 22 GMRS/FRS channels. To confirm the selection, press thePTT button or press the MENU button again to move to the nextfeature setting.Model GXT500/550 Series
Page 11 www.midlandradio.comSETTING PRIVACY CODES Your GXT500/550 Series has 38 Privacy codes available. The select-ed Privacy Code may be different for each channel. To select aPrivacy Code for the current channel press the MENU button twice,and then the buttons to select one of the 38 Privacy Codes.To confirm the selection, press the PTT button or press MENU buttonagain to move to the next feature setting.Note : Selecting a Privacy Code of "oF" will disable the Privacy feature. To communicate between two GXT500/550 Series radios,all radios in your group must be set to the same channel and Privacy Code selections.TRANSMIT (TX) POWER LEVEL SELECTION :Your GXT500/550 Series has 3 power level settings. To select thepower level on channels 1~7 and 15~22, press the MENU button threetimes, a “Pr” icon will appear blinking on the display. Then press thebuttons to select TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL icon (H: Hi/M: Mid/L: Lo). To confirm, press the PTT button or press MENUbutton again to move to the next feature setting. When the PTTbutton is pressed during Low Battery Level condition, the TXPower will automatically switch from Hi(H) to Lo(L) level.Note : You cannot adjust the power setting on the FRS channels (8~14). They are set to Low power per FCC regulations.eVOX (Hands-free Transmission) Your GXT500/550 Series has 2 eVOX level settings: (oF/1/2).To set eVOX, press the MENU button four times. The display shows“VOX” blinking while on the right of the CHANNEL NUMBER display,an “oF” icon appears. Select “1” or “2” by pressing the buttonsand push the PTT key, or press MENU button again to move to thenext feature setting. eVOX will be more sensitive on the “2”setting than on the “1”setting.To turn eVOX off, press the MENU button four times. The displayshows “VOX” blinking while on the right of the CHANNEL NUMBERdisplay, a “1” or “2” icon appears. Select “oF” by pressing thebuttons and push the PTT key, or press MENU button again tomove to the next feature setting.Model GXT500/550 Series!!
VIBRATE ALERT To turn the VIBRATE ALERT on, press the MENU button five times sothe display will show the VIBRATE-ALERT icon blinking, while on theright of the CHANNEL NUMBER, an “oF” icon appears. Select “on”by pressing the buttons and push the PTT button, or press MENUbutton again to move to the next feature setting. The VIBRATEALERT icon will remain on the display.To turn the VIBRATE ALERT off, press the MENU button five times,so the display will show the VIBRATE ALERT icon blinking, while onthe right of the CHANNEL NUMBER, an “on” icon appears. Select“oF” by pressing the buttons and push the PTT button, or pressMENU button to move to the next feature setting. The VIBRATEALERT icon will go off.ROGER BEEP (end of transmission) TONE When the PTT button is released, the radio will beep to confirm toother users that your transmission has finished. To turn the ROGER BEEP tone on, press the MENU button until thedisplay shows an “rb” icon while on the right of the “rb” display, an“oF” icon appears. Select “on” by pressing the buttons and pushthe PTT key, or press MENU button to move to the next featuresetting. To turn the ROGER BEEP tone off, press the MENU button until thedisplay shows an “rb” icon while on the right of the “rb” display, an“on” icon appears. Select “oF” by pressing the buttons and pushthe PTT key, or press MENU button to move to the next featuresetting.Page 12 www.midlandradio.comModel GXT500/550 Series
Page 13 www.midlandradio.comCALL TONE SELECTION Your GXT500/550 Series has 5 selectable CALL TONES. To select,press the MENU button until a “CA” icon appears and to the right ofthe “CA” icon the current CALL TONE setting is displayed. Then pressthe buttons to make the CALL TONE selections - the radio willemit a corresponding tone for each selection. To confirm, press thePTT button or press MENU button to move to the next feature setting.SILENT OPERATION Your GXT500/550 Series has a SILENT OPERATION mode. In thismode, all “beeps” and “tones” are disabled. To turn the SILENT OPERATION mode on, press the MENU buttonuntil the display shows an “bP” icon while on the right of the “bP”display, an “on” icon appears. Select “of” by pressing the buttonsand push the PTT key or MENU button. To turn the SILENT OPERATION mode off, press the MENU buttonuntil the display shows an “bP” icon while on the right of the “bP”display, an “oF” icon appears. Select “on” by pressing the buttonsand push the PTT key or MENU button. WEATHER (WX) BAND RECEIVER Your GXT500/550 Series has a WEATHER (WX) BAND RECEIVERfunction, to enable user to receive weather alert/reports from designat-ed NOAA stations.To turn the WEATHER (WX) RECEIVER on, press and hold theMENU button for 3 seconds. The current WX CHANNEL and WXBAND icon will appear on the display. Press the MENU button and thebuttons to select one of the 10 WX BAND channels. To confirm,press the PTT button or MENU button. To turn the WEATHER (WX) RECEIVER off, press and hold theMENU button for 3 seconds. The current GMRS/FRS radio setting willbe displayed and the WX BAND icon will go off.Model GXT500/550 Series
Page 14 www.midlandradio.comEXTERNAL SPEAKER/MICROPHONE JACK :Your GXT500/550 Series can be used with an optional externalspeaker/microphone or headset, freeing your hands for other tasks. Touse an optional speaker / microphone or head-set:· Insert the plug(s) into the SPK/MIC jacks· Place the earbud into your ear, and adjust themic into your desired position.Model GXT500/550 Series
Page 15 www.midlandradio.comPROBLEM SOLUTIONNo Power - Check battery installation and/or replace batteriesCannot ReceiveMessages- Confirm the radios have the same channel and Privacy Code settings.- Make sure that you are within range of the other transceivers.- Buildings and other structures may interfere with your communication. (See ABOUT RANGE on Page 8)Radio is not respondingto button presses- Make sure key lock is not on. See "Keypad Lock" (Page 10).- Radio might need to be reset. Turn radio off then on.- Ensure accessory microphone is set properlyDisplay is dim - Recharge or replace batteries.Charger not functioning - Contacts on the back of the radio may require cleaning. - Ensure the outlet where the charger is plugged into is functioning properly.- Check that the battery pack are installed in the radio properly.USE AND CARE :1. Use a soft damp cloth to clean the radio2. Do not use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the radio.3. Do not immerse the radio in water.4. Dry the radio with dry lint-free cloth should it get wet.5. Turn off the radio and remove the batteries during long-term storage.If you have a problem which you believe requires service, pleasecall first and speak with a service technician. Many problems canbe remedied over the phone without returning the unit forservice.Model GXT500/550 SeriesTROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Page 16 www.midlandradio.comSPECIFICATIONSChannels 22 GMRS/FRS Channels +38 Privacy Codes10 Weather (WX) Band Channels Operating Frequency UHF 462.5500 ~ 467.7125 MHzPower Source 4 AA Alkaline or 4.8V Rechargeable Ni-MH battery packGMRS/FRS FREQUENCY CHART (MHz)(GXT310/400/450 Series) WEATHER (WX) RECEIVER FREQUENCY CHART (MHz)PRIVACY CODES FREQUENCY CHART (Hz)* Channel 8,9 and 10 are designated Canadian Marine Frequencies* Channels 8~14 are low-power FRS license free channelsNote: Privacy codes can be programmed for use on any channelModel GXT500/550 Series
Page 17 www.midlandradio.comLIMITED WARRANTY Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option withoutcharge, any Midland FRS/GMRS transceiver which fails due to adefect in material or workmanship within Three Years following theinitial consumer purchase. This warranty does not apply to waterdamage, battery leak or abuse.This warranty does not include any carrying cases, earphones, orantennas, which may be a part of or included with the warrantedproduct, or the cost of labor for removal or re-installation of theproduct in a vehicle or other mounting.Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained byreturning the warranted product, freight prepaid, along with proof ofpurchase to:Midland Radio CorporationWarranty Service Department1120 Clay StreetNorth Kansas City, MO 64116This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also haveother rights, which vary from state to state.Note : The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased inthe United States of America or any of the territories or possessionsthereof, or from a U.S. Military exchange.Midland Radio Corporation1120 Clay StreetNorth Kansas City, MO 64116Tel: (816) 241-8500E-mail: mail@midlandradio.comURL: www.midlandradio.comModel GXT500/550 Series
Page 18 www.midlandradio.comModel GXT500/550 SeriesACCESSORIESAccessories can be purchased at www.midlandradio.com or fill inthe form on the following page and mail it to our address.AVP-1AVP-3- 2 Over the Ear Mic. Headsets w/ PTT- $19.95- 1 Dual Desk Charger- 2 Rechargeable battery packs- 1 AC Adapter- 1 DC Cigarette lighter adapter- $39.95
Model GXT500/550 SeriesPage 19 www.midlandradio.comPlease send Money Order or fill in Visa/MasterCard information andmail to the address below. Please DO NOT send cash or checks.Make Money Order to Midland Radio Corporation.Name: _____________________________________________________Address: ___________________________________________________City: _____________________ State _____Zip Code _____________Tel: ______________________ email: ___________________________CC# _____________________ Type: __________ Exp. ____________ACCESSORIES ORDER FORMQty Item Price TotalAVP-1 $19.95AVP-3 $39.95Mail To:Midland Radio CorporationConsumer. Dept.1120 Clay St.N. Kansas City MO 64116----------------Or Call 816.241.8500. ----------------To order online go to www.midlandradio.comSub-Total ___________Tax (MO, CO, IL, FL only) ___________S & H (U.S. only) _____ $14.95Total $___________
Page 20 www.midlandradio.comMIDLAND RADIO CORPORATION1120 Clay St.N. Kansas City MO 64116Call 816.241.8500visit us at http://www.midlandradio.comNote: Features & Specifications are subject to change without notice.MIDLAND is not responsible for unintentional errors or omissions on itspackaging.Model GXT500/550 SeriesRev G
NOTE : The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. ↓ This will be added on page 3 of Owner’s Manual.

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